Welcome to the 
Ponce de Leon Chapter  

Winter Haven, Florida  

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Chapter History In 1914, Mrs. G. Frizzell, Florida State Regent, asked Mrs. W. H. Hickok to organize a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Winter Haven, Florida, and appointed her Organizing Regent.  On a Thursday afternoon, March 16, 1916, nine ladies assembled at "Badger's Nook," the home of Mrs. Helen Hickok, to organize the thirteenth chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Florida and the first chapter in Polk County.  Mrs. M. W. Carruth, the current State Regent, was present to conduct the business of formal organization. As Organizing Regent, Mrs. Hickok had the privilege of naming the chapter.  She called it "Ponce de Leon" after the famous Spanish explorer.  She was the first chapter regent and served for five years in three terms.  Mrs. Hickok was later elected Honorary Life Regent. Mrs. W. H. Hickok, born Helen Ives in Prescott, Wisconsin, traces her lineage to Zephaniah Hull, a drummer boy in the Revolutionary War.  His father, Samuel Hull, and grandfather, Caleb Hull, also served in the war. Helen received her education in the Prescott Public Schools; she began teaching at age fifteen.  After teaching for eight years, she married William H. Hickok.  In 1912, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok moved to Winter Haven, Florida, which had been their winter home.  In the early years, Winter Haven was a small town of about twelve hundred people.  Since Helen was the only Daughter in Winter Haven at the time, she had the daunting task before her.  Her dedication and hard work made it possible for the Ponce de Leon Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to become a reality on March 16, 1916. Back     Meetings Contact Regent for details on the monthly meeting. Back   Officers Regent Doris Vickers Vice Regent  Delanda "Dee" B. Hall Chaplain Yvette M. Lacy Secretary Delores Bartlett Treasurer Mary Jeanette Baker Historian Jacquelyn Thornhill Registrar Mary Jo Williamson Librarian Candace Clark Parliamentarian (appointed) Ann "Toni" Barger Back   Membership  Membership in DAR is very rewarding.  To become a member, a woman must be at least 18 years old and be able to prove blood descent from a person who rendered patriotic service during the American Revolution. If you think you are eligible, come to one of our meetings or send an e-mail to our regent,  Doris Vickers. Many of our members are willing to help you find ways to document your lineage. We're anxious to meet you and have you be a part of our chapter.   Back   Please direct any comments about this web page to:         Lola DeGroff, webmaster, Ponce de Leon Chapter.  This page last updated August 20, 2012 Best viewed 1024 x 768. Web hyperlinks to non-DAR sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the State Organization, or the local DAR chapter.